Load Bearing Equipment For A Land Evacuation

https://www.digitaltrends.com/cool-tech/sarcos-robotics-powered-exosuit-guardian-xo/


Good morning all,

Per ...

It's a battery powdered full body industrial exoskeleton.

I am sure DARPA will report to Congress that there are no enemy counter measures against this battery powered ......

 

I actually check their website a while ago, I just happen to have interest in powered exoskeleton. Using current battery technology it still not suitable other than to use for working around industrial complex (where spare battery are available) however WHEN battery technology progress in the near future and having at least energy parity to that of gasoline (lithium-air battery for example), powered exoskeleton is definitely a viable option for load bearing.

 

Since weight isn't much of a limiting factor, it should be fairly simple to design one that runs off 120 volts, using a small generator.

 

Weight may not much of an issue, however center of mass & load balancing still does. Although using miniaturized gasoline generator is a viable option (not sure how small it can be made though) I don't see it happening due to load balancing factor alone not to mention exhausts nozzle. Moreover my interest in powered exoskeleton is more for lugging heavy backpack (I no longer able lugging anything more than 20 lbs)

 

Hmmmmmmm.......we use forklifts.... gasoline, diesel, DC battery, hydraulic, and propane powered.. and various wooden pallets for this kind of work.

Also...forklifts can raise heavy loads up much higher than such an suit.

But it is interesting. All the rules of balance and center of gravity and securing your load still apply with forklifts. Hard to get away from the laws of physics.

Watcherchris

Not an Ishmaelite

 

Good morning all,

Even with a newly-invented battery, is this exoskelton viable for basic military applications ?

I am guessing the the exoskelton's costs require depot-level maintenance. Will the battery be safe from enemy action and the various terrain's, eg Arctic use ?

The Israelis developed a narrow wagon - looks like one of those ship-to ship stretchers - that semi-automatically follows the soldier(s) on the same land path.

I would hesitate to use an exoskelton in an amphibious environment.

 

Within foreseeable future, and with improvement of battery technology it will.

Unlikely. Think of it similar to light vehicle

That is what ESAPI plate for. And cold & dry weather is good for modern battery & computer in general.

The role for powered exoskeleton is for load bearing NOT for assault. If your doing any maritime based operation then the ship, boat, and landing craft, are the load bearer.

 

Good morning Varuna,

We are writing from 2 - different - political environments.

I am thinking of an exoskelton being similar to DME equipment or gyro-stabilized binoculars. It must be returned to somewhere or else replaced. If salvageable , equipment frequently returns to a depot or "written off". That's the experience here, as of now.

Exoskeltons are for land warfare combatants.

 

Unless there is a significant development in battery technology...cold temperatures tend to shorten the usable charge/life in a battery.

This is the reason I am often want to carry spare batteries for my cell phone, two in my pocket in plastic bags and another two in my BOB/GHB...and also four AA type batteries for my Mag Lite. I also carry a spare 3800mha enlarged/oversized battery in certain of my vehicles for the Baofeng walkie talkies kept there.

I am thinking that with todays soldiers...more and more of their loadout is batteries for critical electronic equipment.

At times and in certain videos... you see todays soldiers exiting helicopters and staggering with their loadouts.

I am thinking that as these exoskeletons catch on it will require significant support from the supply systems to the units out in the field,,,including the field specialists to keep them running out in the field. This in particular because of the pace at which modern warfare takes place today.

Agree with Pragmatist...much of it may just be written off at todays pace/speed of warfare.


My non Ishmaelite 02,

Watcherchris

 

Good morning Lonewolf,

We Yanks have the "Americans With Disabilities Act".

There are numerous people allowed to live in inaccessible areas who use oxygen tanks and have a refrigerator container for medicines/pharma.

It's realistic that public funding (eg Medicare) will provide for a civilian exoskelton.

In practical terms, no need to be concerned on unloading. They won't arrive at the safe haven, whether it's an emergency shelter, a makeshift medical clinic or just high ground away from tidal flooding.

 

Good morning Lonewolf,

You're completely right.

For a civilian in an evac, a small wagon or cart is better and safer.

For a soldier in combatant role, ... think of the many examples of those electing to use (if allowed to) lighter, more penetrateable body armor so as to allow for the more important mobility.

 

The market niche for exoskeleton is for navigating challenging terrain that currently only accessible with working animal or for medical assist. While for combat application is for load bearing. I don't see any body armour technology will getting any lighter (for the same level of protection) any time soon.

 

Good morning Varuna,

I have a black and white film of WWII scenes where Chinese workers are on a small and dangerous cliff path pulling ropes tied to barges below on the river. Even mules could not be forced to transit this narrow and dangerous path. These Chinese workers had no exoskeletons nor work gloves.

The military version of the exoskeleton is the current equivalent of the nuclear-tipped ICBM push button war. Everything is clean, sanitary and easy....all because of our research labs.

For land warfare combatants and the military exoskeleton:

"The future battlefield is becoming empty. If you are there, you are destroyed. The only options are stealth or autonomous systems." Col Ehud Gal, senior official Israeli Ministry of Defense. From Defense News 24 August 2009.


......

I do see much utility for civilian medical type applications of exoskeletons if the person is resident in a group setting.

There was some research for Responders with heavy equipment to have an exoskeleton for climbing building steps. I would prefer a type of wagon. Stairs and walls collapse. Personality agility and mobility is more important.

 

I saw this a few weeks back on LinkedIn but it was in an engineering lab where they were lifting long cylinders to just about head level with a gripper device for the hand. The entire setup was very reminiscent of an deck ape loading missiles onto a fighter jet.